Donald E. Irwin Sr.

Donald "Don" E. Irwin Sr., 94, of Cuba, IL passed away at 6:13 pm Saturday February 8, 2025 at Graham Hospital in Canton, IL. He was born on August 31, 1930 in Ainsworth, Nebraska to Leona Irwin, and upon her death was raised by his grandparents, Samuel and Corda Irwin. He married Verna Fay Parker on February 23, 1952 in Bushnell, IL; she preceded him in death on January 29, 2012.
Surviving are two daughters, Dana (Mike) Lucas of Lake St. Louis, MO, Donna (Clayton) Plumer of Cuba, IL; four grandchildren, Erin (Mike) Totosz, Christopher (Cassie) Lucas, Donald "Trey" E. Irwin III, Alanna Irwin; four great-grandchildren Samantha Totosz, Donald "Jordan" (Rebecca) McCance, Dominic Lucas, Viviana Lucas, daughter-in-law Dianne Irwin, sister-in-law Clyda Lea Miller, and brother-in-law Kenny Martin, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, wife, and son Donald "Donnie" E. Irwin Jr.
Don graduated from Cuba High School in 1948. Soon after graduation Don enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. In the army, Don served as a mechanic and was able to further his knowledge and fuel his passion for the automotive industry. After an honorable discharge from the army, Don worked for several auto shops and dealerships before opening and operating Irwins Garage of Bushnell. After the closing of Irwins Garage, Don went to work for the Bushnell School District bus garage in automotive maintenance, and even enjoyed driving a bus from time to time once he retired. He and Verna Fay enjoyed camping trips with family and friends and going to auctions and flea markets. Don was a member of the Bushnell VFW Post 1422 and the Bushnell Historical Society.
Don loved spending time with his family, as well as his weekly coee group at Hardees. He had several classic cars and enjoyed cruising with his car club and attending car shows. He also spent time refinishing old furniture and collecting toy cars and tractors. Many of his children and grandchildren have tables and cabinets in their homes that Don lovingly restored. Don was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan, and the only time you might have heard him say a cross word was when he was watching them play (except for that time they won the World Series of course). Watching the Chicago Bears could also evoke some colorful language from Don.
In June of 2013, Don was given the opportunity of a lifetime to be part of an Honor Flight with his daughter Dana and visited the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. This was a very special trip for Don, and he was very proud to be a part of it.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday February 22, 2025 at Martin-Hollis Funeral Home. There will be no visitation, but will be a gathering after the service at the VFW in Bushnell. Memorials can be made to the Bushnell VFW Post 1422 and/or the Bushnell Historical Society. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com
Funeral Service
Saturday, February 22, 2025
11:00 AM
Martin-Hollis Funeral Home
771 North Crafford
Bushnell,IL
61422 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Donald, please visit our Tree Store.